The high-riding Subaru Forester is about as practical as family cars get while still being fun to drive.

PLUS

All-wheel-drive. Subaru is famous for its symmetrical AWD system, and those who have taken a Suby off-road will generally attest to how well it works. They’re tough machines.

Safety. There’s a lot of modern safety and driver assistance tech in the Forester including its EyeSight collision avoidance system.

Tailgate. Electric hatches are par for the course these days, but few have a memory function. The Subaru does, and it’s remarkably useful if you park in a garage with a low roof or anywhere else where you need to stop the boot clunking into something every time it opens.

Vision. Somewhat old school design ends up being quite practical. Tall glass gives superb visibility in all directions.

Grunt. The Forester XT makes great power from its turbocharged boxer engine.

MINUS

Looks. The Forester isn’t the most beautiful SUV on the road. In fact its styling is looking quite old fashioned.

Interior. There’s not a lot of design flair inside either. But if those things don’t bother you, the Forester won’t let you down.

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